Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026
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1. What is the primary purpose of a fire alarm system?
A. To prevent fires
B. To alert occupants of a fire
C. To extinguish fires automatically
D. To monitor building security
B. To alert occupants of a fire
Rationale: The main function of a fire alarm system is to detect and alert
occupants so they can evacuate safely.
2. Which type of fire detector is most responsive to smoldering fires?
A. Ionization smoke detector
B. Photoelectric smoke detector
C. Heat detector
D. Carbon monoxide detector
B. Photoelectric smoke detector
Rationale: Photoelectric detectors are better at detecting slow, smoldering
fires that produce more smoke than flames.
3. What is the minimum spacing requirement for manual pull stations in
new construction?
A. 25 feet
B. 50 feet
, C. 75 feet
D. 100 feet
B. 50 feet
Rationale: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72 requires
manual pull stations to be located so that the travel distance to a station
does not exceed 200 feet, which generally translates to placement every 50
feet in corridors.
4. What is the main purpose of a fire alarm control panel (FACP)?
A. To extinguish fires
B. To coordinate the alarm signals and system functions
C. To monitor building occupancy
D. To generate smoke
B. To coordinate the alarm signals and system functions
Rationale: The FACP is the central hub that monitors inputs, controls
outputs, and manages alarms.
5. Which NFPA standard governs the installation of fire alarm systems?
A. NFPA 13
B. NFPA 25
C. NFPA 72
D. NFPA 70
C. NFPA 72
Rationale: NFPA 72 is the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code and
covers installation, performance, and maintenance of fire alarm systems.
6. A combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector is required in
which type of building?
A. Industrial warehouses
B. Residential dwellings
C. High-rise office buildings
D. Underground parking structures
, B. Residential dwellings
Rationale: Residential codes often require combination smoke and CO
detectors for life safety in homes where people sleep.
7. Which type of notification appliance uses sound to alert occupants?
A. Strobe light
B. Horn
C. Control panel
D. Heat detector
B. Horn
Rationale: Horns and bells provide audible alerts to occupants, while
strobes provide visual signals.
8. How often must fire alarm systems undergo a full inspection according
to NFPA 72?
A. Monthly
B. Quarterly
C. Annually
D. Every 5 years
C. Annually
Rationale: NFPA 72 requires annual inspections of all components and the
system as a whole to ensure proper operation.
9. What is the primary difference between an addressable and
conventional fire alarm system?
A. Addressable systems are wireless
B. Conventional systems do not have detectors
C. Addressable systems can identify the specific device in alarm
D. Conventional systems require special power
C. Addressable systems can identify the specific device in alarm
Rationale: Addressable systems allow the control panel to pinpoint which
device triggered an alarm, improving response and troubleshooting.
10. What is the standard minimum mounting height for a manual pull
station?